A traveling exhibit organized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) made a stop in downtown Reading on Friday afternoon, parking outside Mofongo Restaurant at 124 S. 5th St.
The exhibit, known as the “Hell on Wheels” pig truck, is designed to resemble a livestock transport vehicle and plays recordings of pigs on their way to slaughter. According to PETA, the goal of the display is to raise awareness about animal treatment in the meat industry and encourage people to reconsider their food choices.
As part of its campaign, PETA said it has contacted restaurants along the truck’s route—including Mofongo Restaurant—offering assistance with adding vegan options to their menus. The organization provides resources such as recipes and guidance for incorporating plant-based dishes.
“Every piece of pepperoni or ham sandwich was once a thinking, feeling being who suffered a terrifying trip to a violent death,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA’s ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck is a reminder to everyone that the meat industry is a killer, and cruelty to animals isn’t just hitting a dog—it’s failing to choose vegan meals.”
The stop in Reading was one of several planned across the country as part of the group’s ongoing outreach efforts.
PETA, whose motto states in part that “animals are not ours to eat or abuse in any other way,” says its campaign emphasizes the idea that Every Animal Is Someone and promotes resources such as free Empathy Kits aimed at encouraging more compassionate choices.
